Mineral spirits and silicone

[xm41907]

So I've been researching background construction methods and have found something of interest. I came across this webpage: Six Moon Designs - Ultralight Backpacking Gear and it got me to thinking about ways to thin silicone prior to application. from this description, I wouldn't suggest a 1/1 mixture, but squirting the silicone into a tube and slowly adding some mineral spirits and mixing until it is easier to apply sounds wonderful. So I began a search about it. First I searched dendroboard and only found using MS to help with cleanup. I then found these sites which do mention it use as a thinner.

http://www.sculpture.net/commu...php?t=4063
http://www.taxidermy.net/forum...C9664.html
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/.../resin.htm

Has anyone tried this? I'm experimenting with my background construction, and thought it would help.

Opinions/experiences?????

[kron4me]

Wow that would be absolutely wonderful if it is safe for Darts. Silicone is aggravating to try and smooth evenly over large areas.

[Rainfrog]

let us know ill watch this post with interest.

[kron4me]

Did you ever find out if that was a viable option?

[xm41907]

I decided to not try this for my first viv. When I started covering the GS for my back I realized that the black GE silicone II that I used to mask the GS from view through the glass was much thicker than the brown that I was using for the background. It was much easier to spread than I thought. I still plan to test this out in another viv, but for this one I decided to wait. From all I've found during research, I don't see any problems with it working outside of extending the cure time. I'll let ya know after I try some experiments.

James

[kron4me]

I understand, one question though, the GE silicone II that you have does it have the mold inhibitor? I heard that it was poisonous to amphibians. I don't know this to be a fact so any body know for sure? I have a lot of it and it would be nice not to have to go buy more if it is safe.

[xm41907]

from what I can gather, it does have the mold inhibitor, however, it is not a new addition to the GE II, rather it's been there all along, and was just recently added to the label. If you search dendroboard.com for it, you'll find a lot of info. I have found much more information on dendroboard than on here. In case you haven't been on it.

James

[kron4me]

thank you Ill check it out!

[Dryn]

I called GE and asked about the mold inhibitor and apparent it has always been in their formula, it was added to the label for marketing reasons...